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Can you paint over stained wood? YES. If you’ve ever wondered if you can paint without sanding, I have the easiest solution for you! You can paint over stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this simple (not-so-secret) method.
Through the years, I have received the questions “can wood be painted without sanding”, “can cabinets be painted without sanding”, and “can trim be painted without sanding”? The answer is absolutely.
Learn how to use liquid deglosser! It’s an affordable, easy-to-use product that will take your projects to the next level – quickly!
A few years ago, I discovered liquid sander deglosser. It’s a life changing product that has been around for years, but I just never noticed it nestled in on the shelf at the home improvement store.
To navigate this post with ease, use the drop down Table of Contents menu below. And don’t forget to pin and save it for later, too!
Can You Paint Over Stained Wood?
Of course. But you don’t want to do it without a little prep work first!
To get paint to adhere to wood, you have to sand it, to rough up the surface. This allows the paint to grip the surface, especially with anything that’s varnished.
As we all know, sanding is both messy and time consuming. Painting over stained wood can be such a chore!
I should know. We have painted dark cabinets, trim and doors in multiple homes now. You can easily paint over stained wood – if you sand first. It can take a long time.
Why You’ll Love Liquid Sandpaper
- Liquid sandpaper dulls a glossy surface, with far less effort! It’s a great alternative to sandpaper that provides that same “rough” surface for paint to adhere.
- A liquid sander deglosser brushes on quick and easy to remove the finish. It giving it a rough texture without the effort.
- It’s the easiest sanding shortcut and I’ve found it to be very effective! It hasn’t failed me yet!
Read more about our Dutch Door and Dutch Door Hardware. We recently painted this door Benjamin Moore Silver Gray using this sanding free paint technique!
Benefits of Using Liquid Sander Deglosser
- Save time – If you’ve ever sanded, you know just how time consuming it can be.
- Saves money – This costs about $9 and uses a paint brush. Sandpaper and sanding pads (or sanders) can really add up. One bottle of this goes a long way!
- Easier – Unlike sandpaper, liquid sandpaper can easily get into nooks, crannies and crevices. It also doesn’t require any special tools or elbow grease.
Liquid Sandpaper Test
Before you start a huge project, consider testing this product to ensure it’s right for your piece.
- Apply it as described below.
- Prime and paint a small area and allow the paint to dry.
- With your fingernail or coin, do a scratch test to ensure that the paint adhered to the wood properly.
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How to Paint Without Sanding
See below for the printable diy instructions. This was a glossy varnished buffet and you can see how dull it is after the deglosser. Work in a well ventilated area.
- Using the deglosser, apply with a paint brush over the surface of the wood. You can see how it dulled the stained wood in the image below.
- Allow it to penetrate the wood for 15 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a lint free cloth. Then you’re ready to prime and paint!
More Paint Tips
- After following the steps in this tutorial, move on to prime and paint using your favorite oil based or latex paint.
- I have used a water based latex paint, but if you’re painting over stained wood that goes through heavy duty use, consider an oil based paint for better longevity. Read about my favorite Furniture Paint here.
- Samples – Once you are ready to paint over your wood stained trim, doors or furniture, be sure to use paint samples!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to prime stained wood before painting?
There are many primer and paint combinations on the market now, so it’s not necessary for many furniture pieces. However, if you’re painting cabinets or another item that needs to withstand heavy use, primer is always a great idea.
What Surfaces Is Liquid Sander Deglosser Good For?
But who has time for that? Whether you are painting over stained wood, lacquered wood or existing paint, you can use liquid sander deglosser so that the new paint will properly adhere.
Where to Use Liquid Sandpaper
Cabinets
Remove cabinet doors and hardware to ensure you coat all surfaces of your cabinet. This works on dark wood, light wood, even previously painted cabinets.
Trim and Mouldings
Trim tends to experience a lot of wear and tear. Even the darkest stained wood can benefit from liquid sander deglosser and be primed and painted white or the color of your choice!
Furniture
Give a piece a facelift using liquid sander. Remove hardware. Make sure you do any drawers or cabinet doors separately to get all surfaces and corners.
Doors
Remove hardware and take it off of hinges to get all surfaces. This even works on inexpensive hollow core doors.
You may have seen my pin how to paint without sanding on Pinterest…you can pin it here to save this idea for later!
What paint projects are you working on? I’d love to hear from you!
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More Paint Tips and Colors
- Favorite Cream Paint Colors
- How to Paint Linoleum
- Our Neutral Paint Colors
- Paint Sheens
- Painting Interior Doors
- The Ultimate Guide to Trim Paint
How to Paint Without Sanding
An easy shortcut to paint wood without sanding for a durable finish.
Supplies
Equipment
- Paint Brush
- cloth
Instructions
- Brush deglosser on wood to cover entire surface.
- Allow it to penetrate the wood for 15 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a cloth.
Tips
Prime and paint as usual!
Kathleen says
I have been around the block a time or two and have seen the ‘strip and refinish all wood’ craze of the 20th century to the latest ‘paint it all’ mania. I must say that some furniture does look better painted than brown, but some wood grains and inlaid pieces are too lovely to be hidden. I predict that in ten years we’ll all be criticized for ‘slathering good pieces with gallons of paint’ and the rubber gloves and stripper cans will be in full use.
Julie says
I agree! I’m actually stripping a piece as we speak!
Drew says
I’m not a fan of painted furniture myself but I have done it before. I will definitely be using the deglosser. That is super cool. Thanks for posting!
Julie says
I often cringe at painted furniture, but from time to time do it myself. I’m integrating a lot of wood into our new home. The deglosser is a life changer!
Bill Dehal@Eco-Stucco says
What do you do about sealing the stain? Doesn’t it have the likelihood of rubbing off, since it does not penetrate the painted surface?
Julie says
I use it prior to painting and haven’t had an issue at all!
Sarah says
I’m new here, but really love your style! Would be so happy to know what color / brand paint you used on that blue buffet in the first picture of this post. It’s wonderful! Thank you!
Julie says
Welcome! Of course…https://julieblanner.com/creating-a-functional-office/
Diana says
I have the exact same piece you painted blue. I am in the process of stripping the veneer off the drawers. To damaged to save. Now I am at the point should I stain it or paint it .
Julie says
Tough choices! I’m sure either would be beautiful.
Susan Iseman says
Have you heard of Annie Sloan’s Chalk Paint? No need to sand, strip ANYTHING.
It’s water based and adheres beautifully. Wonderful stuff!
Julie says
Yes, I used to use it all the time – it’s amazing!
Elise says
Can I ask why you stopped? Was it the price? I have an old wooden headboard from the 70s my MIL gave to my for my 4 year old and I would love to paint it white or powder blue. I cannot believe how expensive chalk paint is, but I also don’t feel like stripping and sanding the entire thing just to paint it white. If I were to use the de-glosser, could I just then paint over it with a latex wall paint? (I have a ton of sample pints from painting some walls blue). Would I also need a topcoat of some sort. Sorry for the long post!!! Thanks for your help!
Julie says
I just love original wood pieces and they’re becoming more and more rare. I do love the occasional painted piece, but in the age of veneers, I like to keep hardwood furniture original.
Valspar has an affordable chalk paint now at Lowe’s!
Lavonne Bowman says
I have solid oak bookcase that is varnished. I would like very much to paint the bookcase.
Do you any specific recommendations for me.
Thanks
Debbie Crawford says
You also mix your own chalk paint, using paint, plaster of paris, & water.